113th Wing

113th Wing
United States Air Force · Public domain · source
Unit name	113th Wing
Dates	1943–present
Country	United States
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Wing
Role	Fighter; Air Support
Command structure	District of Columbia Air National Guard
Garrison	Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Motto	"Capitol Guardians"
Battles	World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Decorations	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Identification symbol label	Tail Code
Aircraft fighter	F-16 Fighting Falcon
Aircraft transport	C-38 Courier
Aircraft utility	C-40 Clipper

113th Wing. The 113th Wing is a combat unit of the District of Columbia Air National Guard, stationed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. As a key component of the Air National Guard, it performs dual federal and state missions, providing air defense for the National Capital Region and deploying globally in support of United States Air Force operations. The wing operates a diverse fleet, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon for air sovereignty and the C-40 Clipper for distinguished airlift.

History

The wing's origins trace to the activation of the 113th Observation Squadron in 1941, which later served with distinction in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. Following the war, it was redesignated as a fighter unit and mobilized for the Korean War, flying missions from bases in Japan and South Korea. During the Cold War, the wing transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and F-105 Thunderchief, while maintaining alert status during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the modern era, it has been heavily engaged in Operation Noble Eagle for homeland defense and deployed personnel and aircraft to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and other contingencies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Mission

The primary mission is to provide capable and ready fighter forces for the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, ensuring the air sovereignty of the Washington, D.C. area. This involves maintaining a constant alert posture for air defense intercepts and supporting national special security events. Its secondary mission involves global reach through expeditionary combat support and the provision of VIP airlift for leaders of the United States Congress, Department of Defense, and other senior officials using its C-40 Clipper aircraft.

Organization

The wing is headquartered at Joint Base Andrews and falls under the operational control of the District of Columbia Air National Guard. Its major subordinate units include the 113th Operations Group, which oversees all flying squadrons, and the 113th Maintenance Group, responsible for aircraft servicing. The wing also includes the 113th Mission Support Group for base infrastructure and the 113th Medical Group for personnel readiness. It maintains close coordination with the 113th Air Control Squadron and other units within the National Guard Bureau structure.

Aircraft

The wing's fighter component operates the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, a multirole aircraft utilized for air-to-air combat and close air support. For its specialized airlift mission, it flies the C-40 Clipper, a military version of the Boeing 737, and the smaller C-38 Courier, derived from the Astra Galaxy. Historically, the wing has operated notable aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, and A-10 Thunderbolt II, reflecting its evolving roles from air superiority to ground attack over the decades.

Assignments

The wing is operationally gained by the Air Combat Command for its fighter mission and by the Air Mobility Command for its airlift duties. For homeland defense, it reports through the Continental United States NORAD Region to North American Aerospace Defense Command. Its state mission falls under the command of the Governor of the District of Columbia through the Adjutant General of the District of Columbia. The wing has also been assigned to numbered air forces such as the First Air Force and the Eighth Air Force during various contingency operations.

Decorations

The wing has been recognized with multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbons for exceptional service during periods including the Vietnam War era, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 operations. Its squadrons have earned various campaign streamers for participation in World War II, the Korean War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Individual personnel have received high-level decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, for acts of heroism and meritorious achievement during combat deployments. Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air National Guard Category:Military in Washington, D.C.